United have still to win after the Dutchman’s two league games in charge and are already five points behind rivals Chelsea and Tottenham.

And while United are edging closer to a £60m deal for Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria, Van Gaal saw little in yesterday’s stalemate at the Stadium of Light to suggest the winger will offer a quickfire solution.

The United chief refused to put on a brave face despite seeing Juan Mata’s early goal earn him his first point in English football - former Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell equalised for the Black Cats on the half an hour mark.

He revealed that confidence is low, United’s passing must improve and they lack creativity.

Van Gaal said: “We thought we would win today but we still have one point and that’s not good enough for Manchester United.

“In the second half, we were dominating but you need creative passing in the final third and that was not so good.

“We dominated without creating chances and that is the purpose of the game. That’s disappointing.

“I think it is down to confidence.

“In the USA (on tour), it was much better than now but we are trying passing exercises every day. We have to improve but it takes time.”

“We thought we would win today but we still have one point and that’s not good enough for Manchester United”

Louis van Gaal

Van Gaal, who saw Chris Smalling limp off before half time with a groin injury, refused to talk about Di Maria but hinted the Argentinian would not be the only new signing at Old Trafford this week, even joking that Lionel Messi was a target.

Ashley Young was booked for diving yesterday while moments before Robin Van Persie, who lasted 63 minutes, could have had a penalty but Van Gaal refused to criticise referee Martin Atkinson.

“We can talk about those decisions all day but they will not change,” said the United boss, whose record after two games is identical to the watching Sir Alex Ferguson’s in 1986.

“But we can change our passing. That is what we must work on,” Van Gaal added.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet was also guarded on new signings, refusing to confirm that he may turn to former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, now at Lille, if

Liverpool’s Fabio Borini turns the club down once and for all.

But he was a hugely encouraged by his side’s performance.

“I was very pleased with our quality and the way we adapted to United’s system,” he said.

“Our levels dropped a little bit physically towards the end when they were stronger than us but we coped very well.”

Poyet handed a full debut to ex-Brighton winger Will Buckley when Adam Johnson pulled out due to illness and was delighted with his contribution.

“I am so pleased he had such a good first half because now people can see why I have wanted him for seven months,” he added.